After he left, the hospital guards were still buzzing amongst themselves. In this day and age, quite a few people were fond of cars, and a couple of them recognized Zhang Yang’s vehicle, knowing its market value.

Back in '98, even in a provincial capital like Changjing, luxury cars valued over a million yuan were a rarity.

They all speculated that Zhang Yang must be the son of some big-shot CEO, sneaking out in his family’s car.

These men never once considered that the car actually belonged to Zhang Yang himself, chalking it up to his youthful appearance that made him look like a mere student.

Once he was out on the street, Zhang Yang felt a flicker of hesitation.

He had already requested leave; there was no way he could return to school now, as that would require an explanation to his teachers—and Zhang Yang was a man who dreaded and disliked unnecessary trouble.

After driving through two intersections, Zhang Yang suddenly remembered that Su Zhantao had already transferred the last batch of money he earned to him; he just hadn't checked his bank account yet.

Since he had this free time, he might as well go check his balance. If there was still time left over, he’d swing by Landlord Liu’s place to discuss the possibility of buying the apartment he was currently renting.

Zhang Yang had grown accustomed to living in that place and didn't want to move for the time being; buying it outright seemed the better option.

Even if he wouldn't be living there after graduation, that property would certainly appreciate in value. Moreover, Zhang Yang didn't want to keep renting; after all, one's own home was the most comfortable place, truly one's own sanctuary.

With a plan formulated, Zhang Yang’s pace picked up considerably. Before long, he arrived at the largest Industrial and Commercial Bank near the school—the very place where he had opened his bank card.

Since it was Monday and classes were in session, the bank wasn't crowded. One window was completely empty, so Zhang Yang walked straight toward it.

Besides checking his balance, he also wanted to withdraw a substantial amount of cash—as much as possible. If Old Man Liu agreed to sell the property, he could handle the transaction immediately.

After taking only a couple of steps, Zhang Yang suddenly turned, looking over in surprise.

Sitting on a nearby bench were two people: one older, and the other clearly a student. Both had their heads bowed, weeping, with the older individual sobbing quite intensely.

"Nannan!"

The person who looked like a student turned out to be Meng Nan. Beside her sat a woman in her early forties, dressed plainly, and bearing a strong resemblance to her.

"Z-Zhang Yang, what are you doing here?"

The girl looked up—it was indeed Meng Nan. Seeing Zhang Yang, she was also very startled. She quickly wiped her eyes, which had turned bright red from crying.

"I took leave to go to the hospital. I got out a bit early and decided to stop by the bank. What—what is going on with you?" Zhang Yang asked softly, glancing again at the woman beside her. Seeing that Nan had an acquaintance, the woman hastily dabbed at her eyes and stopped crying.

"I... I’m fine!" Nan shook her head in a flurry.

"This must be Auntie, right?"

Noticing Nan was reluctant to explain, Zhang Yang didn't press further and instead asked the woman's identity directly.

"Yes, this is my mother. Mom, this is my classmate, Zhang Yang!"

Nan quickly nodded, and as she introduced her mother, a shade of worry flickered in her eyes. Although the worry was deeply hidden, Zhang Yang still managed to perceive it.

"Hello, Auntie. Nan and I are very good classmates. What has happened to you?"

As soon as Nan finished the introduction, Zhang Yang walked over and greeted her mother warmly. Zhang Yang’s question made the woman’s eyes turn even redder, and two fresh tears spilled down uncontrollably.

"Zhang Yang, don't ask. We are fine!" Nan leaned in urgently, reaching out to hug her mother. This unexpected embrace caused her mother to weep even harder, which in turn made tears stream down Nan’s own face.

Nan was wearing a white, petite, and exquisite dress today, and she still sported a classic student haircut. Seeing her cry evoked a deep sense of pity.

Zhang Yang held no other intentions; he was simply concerned for her as a friend. In this new life, the few friends he truly connected with were precious.

Moreover, Zhang Yang knew that despite Nan's usual quiet demeanor, only sticking close to their group, she deeply cared for both him and Mi Xue. When he was hospitalized last time, Nan made frequent trips to the hospital, even borrowing kitchen equipment from Sister Zhou’s noodle shop to make nourishing chicken soup for Mi Xue, while also bringing along everyone’s favorite braised chicken feet.

"If you're going to cry, don't do it here; look where you are!"

A plump woman in her thirties, wearing a uniform, suddenly walked over and spoke impatiently, casting a dismissive glance at the mother and daughter. Her eyes clearly held disdain.

"Hick, you deserve to be scammed!"

After glancing away, the woman muttered something under her breath. Neither Nan nor her mother caught the low murmur, but Zhang Yang heard it perfectly clearly; his hearing was far superior to what it used to be.

"What did you say?"

Zhang Yang’s brow furrowed deeply. He took a decisive step forward, positioning himself directly in front of the woman, and asked quietly.

His voice was low, yet it carried an unnerving authority. The woman’s previous comment was one thing, but her final remark had ignited Zhang Yang's temper.

Nan was not a local; her family was from the countryside, and her mother was plainly dressed. Calling her a 'hick' was an obvious insult. Since Nan was his friend, Zhang Yang absolutely could not stand idly by while someone insulted his friend's mother.

"You... what do you want?"

The plump woman was clearly startled. She clutched the broom she was holding tightly, as if it were the only source of comfort she had.

Zhang Yang stared at her, then, after a moment, managed to suppress the anger surging within him, asking softly, "Tell me, what is this about them being scammed?"

The mother and daughter hadn't heard what she had said, and Zhang Yang didn't want to ask them to repeat it, lest he cause them further embarrassment. He could deal with this woman later, if an opportunity arose.

When Zhang Yang spoke this time, his voice still carried an undeniable weight of authority, compelling the plump woman to nod involuntarily before she spoke: "This rural woman seemed to be here for medical treatment, but she ran into scammers on the way. I don't know what fit of madness took her, but she transferred all the money in her bank account to them. Now her money is gone, she can’t get her treatment, so she’s crying here!"

Zhang Yang’s brow furrowed again. He turned back to look at Nan and her mother. So, they had encountered swindlers. He couldn't tell how much money they had lost, but judging by their distress, it must have been a significant sum.

"Why should I tell you this? I think she deserved to be scammed; she has a face built for being swindled!"

As Zhang Yang turned away, the plump woman snapped back to attention. She seemed furious that she had been so straightforward with him, spitting out a curse and shouting loudly, "I think she deserved to be scammed; what business does a hick have coming into the city!"

Hearing this, the expression on Nan’s mother’s face changed instantly, and her crying intensified.

"How can you speak to people like that?"

Seeing her mother so distressed, Nan could not hold back any longer. She stood up and angrily rebuked the plump woman. Nan was usually a girl with an exceptionally mild temper; unless she was truly infuriated, she would never speak to anyone in such a tone.

"What I say is none of your damn business! You got scammed because you're stupid. Why are you crying at the bank? I say you deserve it, hicks shouldn't be wandering into the city!" The plump woman shrieked, her voice loud enough to draw the attention of the security guard sitting at his desk.

"Silence!"

Zhang Yang suddenly called out, the sound sharp and commanding, causing the plump woman to freeze again.

He turned back and glared coldly at her. He had ignored her previous insults to spare Nan any further sadness, but she had escalated, speaking even more harshly.

"Apologize to them immediately!" Zhang Yang pointed towards Nan and her mother, speaking slowly. The plump woman remained stunned, nodding her head reflexively. However, when she turned to face Nan’s mother, her entire expression soured again.

When Zhang Yang had spoken earlier, his tone carried an irresistible authority, causing her to comply instinctively. But seeing Nan’s mother stirred up the arrogance within her, making an apology feel more difficult than death.

"Why should I apologize to them? Are they worthy?" the plump woman shrieked, turning back to glare at Zhang Yang. It was as if her pride had been gravely wounded. Furthermore, she was infuriated that she had done whatever Zhang Yang told her to do. In her eyes, he was just an ordinary student; she shouldn't have been so easily swayed by him.

"No apology? Fine. Then go get your manager for me!"

A shard of ice flashed in Zhang Yang's eyes. If she had simply apologized as instructed, Zhang Yang might have let the matter slide. But not only did she refuse, she hurled more hurtful insults. Zhang Yang had no intention of letting her off now.

"Who do you think you are? You ask for the manager, and we just produce him? Our manager isn't someone you can just meet whenever you please!" The plump woman shouted again, directing particular ferocity toward Zhang Yang, seemingly trying to assert dominance through sheer force of will.

The security guard had arrived by then. Zhang Yang ignored the plump woman and addressed the guard, "Go get your manager. I need to see him right now!"

"Our manager isn't here!" the guard replied hesitantly.

Zhang Yang’s brow tightened slightly. He asked again, "Then who is currently in charge here?"

"Deputy Manager Wang is on duty. He's in charge now!" The guard answered quickly this time. The manager was present, but Zhang Yang was clearly a student, and the guard didn't dare bother the manager over such an issue, fearing he might be the one reprimanded.

"Then have him come over," Zhang Yang instructed.

"Alright, wait a moment!" The guard hesitated once more but then nodded. Deputy Manager Wang was right there in the lobby; fetching him would be easy.

"Xiao Ma, call him. Tell Manager Wang that someone is causing trouble here!" Hearing that Deputy Manager Wang was being summoned, the plump woman didn't show fear; instead, she became even more arrogant, shouting loudly as she spoke.

Upon hearing this, the young security guard hesitated again. He hadn't been working long and lacked experience. After the plump woman spoke, he remembered that she was Deputy Manager Wang’s relative, and Wang likely wouldn't side with a group of students if he came out.

First update.

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